Straight teeth and a confident smile can go a long way to boost self-esteem. When it comes to straightening teeth, there are two general options available to you: traditional metal braces and invisible braces.

Invisible braces are popular with many people since they are more discreet and comfortable than traditional metal braces. They are transparent, sit on your teeth, have minimal discomfort, and can complement your lifestyle.

Invisible Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Invisible braces can be used to treat several conditions, including crowded or widely spaced teeth, overjet or overbite, and crooked teeth. While this type is more popular than bracket braces, some cases require metal braces that feature brackets or wires on the front of the teeth.

Children and young teenagers with orthodontic problems will still need the classic metal braces, since invisible braces are designed for older teenagers and adults. Invisible braces require absolute and dedicated cooperation as they are worn 22 hours per day and should not be forgotten or lost. Being disciplined about this can be a challenge for children and teenagers. All in all, only your orthodontist or dentist can determine the best option available to you.

What are the available alternatives for traditional braces?

The best alternative for the traditional wire or bracket braces is clear braces, better known as invisible braces. Invisible/clear braces are clear and are near invisible, as their name suggests. There are several types of invisible braces, depending on how they are designed to reduce their visibility. Here are the three most popular types:

#1. Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are generally like traditional metal braces that use brackets or wires to straighten the teeth. The significant difference is that the color of the brackets matches the color of the teeth. The wires can also be designed in such a way as to blend with the tooth color.

Ceramic braces have other advantages: they do not get stained quickly and are less conspicuous. This type of transparent invisible brace is stuck onto the teeth and, just like metal braces, has to remain in place until you complete your treatment plan. 

The teeth-colored ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal but not more invisible than inside braces or clear aligners. Since they cannot be removed until the completion of treatment, they can cause irritation and discomfort. This irritation may complicate eating, speaking, and your regular toothcare routine.

#2. Clear aligners

Clear teeth aligners are a series of clear, removable trays fabricated using plastic to fit over the teeth. They have been touted as the best teeth aligners, and that is for a good reason. They straighten their teeth by exerting a low force and pressure system on the teeth.

This type of invisible brace is generally pain-free and minimally invasive. They are also stain-resistant and are not affected by clouding. They can be easily removed during drinking or eating and any other special occasion, making them one of the most popular teeth aligners.

#3. Lingual braces

In lingual braces, the brackets are placed on the lingual surface, i.e., the back of the teeth. They are not visible from the front, and this is what makes them invisible. They are used mainly by adults since they are versatile and no longer relegated to children and young teenagers.

They come with a few disadvantages. They are relatively expensive, require longer treatment time, and are difficult to adjust due to their position. They are also challenging to clean and tend to be discomfiting in the initial period of wearing them compared to traditional metal braces.

#4. Ceramic veneers

Ceramic veneers come in two types: ceramic porcelain and resin composite. The ceramic type is a better option than the resin veneers, as the latter tends to break down when you grind your teeth. They work best for patients with discolored, chipped, misshaped, or widely spaced teeth.

Veneers are made from thin, durable ceramics and can last up to 15 years. The dentist removes a tiny part of the tooth and places a custom-made veneer to cover the front teeth. This procedure improves the appearance of your smile as the blots are rendered almost invisible.

#5. Retainers

Retainers are designed to be used to maintain the position of your teeth after your orthodontist fixes your braces. The good thing about retainers is that dentists can use them to address even minor dental issues. They can close any slight gap between your teeth and fix minor issues of overcrowding teeth.

#6. Removable / Snap-on veneers

Snap-on veneers such as TruSmile are customized dental devices made of composite resins that match the shade or color of your teeth. They help you make any of your dental issues' invisible'. Snap-on veneers offer you other advantages; they look like natural teeth and are a very cost-effective choice compared to the alternatives.

How much are invisible braces?

But averagely, the cost of invisible braces ranges from $2,500 to $8,500, which is about the same or a bit higher than traditional orthodontic treatment. The dental professional, the duration of treatment, the location, and your dental insurance plan will all play a role in determining the cost of treatment. More complex cases can require in-person alignment, which tends to be higher in price.

TruSmile as Your Alternative to Invisible Braces

TruSmile is designed to maximize the pros of invisible braces while minimizing the cons of traditional metal braces. Here are some other reasons why TruSmile is a better investment:

Price – TruSmile is relatively less expensive than most alternatives currently available on the market.

Natural looking: TruSmile Snap-on veneers look like real teeth.

Easy to put in and take out - TruSmile Veneers are designed to make it easy for you to put in and take out. 

The Bottom Line

Each of us craves self-esteem and the confidence that comes with an excellent and infectious smile. Our teeth are part of our smile, and crooked teeth can make us self-conscious. Though wearing metal brackets or wires is the most popular option and sometimes the best option, invisible braces are steadily gaining ground. 

It is now possible to achieve this physical confidence without using the unappealing traditional wire braces. Removable veneers offer you some unique benefits for your dental health. The process of getting removable veneers with TruSmile is as easy as it can be. Find out if you're a candidate today!